Commonwealth Careers

Commonwealth Careers

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers rewarding careers in a wide variety of fields. And with such a broad range of professions and opportunities for growth, the commonwealth is an ideal place to begin or advance your career.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or thinking about relocating, we think you’ll agree that Pennsylvania is a great place to live and work.

Join the tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who have chosen careers in public service to our commonwealth.

We also take pride in our rich history. As the birthplace of our nation, Pennsylvania was founded centuries ago on the idea that all are welcome and can practice their faith and culture as they see fit.

We still live by that grand idea today because ours continues to be an open and welcoming state for people from all walks life.

Public Service

As a commonwealth employee, you can come to work each day knowing that you’re helping to improve the lives of your fellow Pennsylvanians.

Our commitment to public service and helping other goes well beyond the workplace. Every year, our employees donate millions of dollars to worthy causes in PA, the nation, and the world through our annual charitable giving campaign — the State Employee Combined Appeal .

Watch Governor Tom Wolf talk about how the hard work of commonwealth employees improves the lives of Pennsylvanians.

Opportunities Statewide

Many commonwealth employees are headquartered in and around the capital city of Harrisburg and a significant percentage of the workforce calls Central PA home. However, you can find commonwealth employees doing a variety of jobs all across the commonwealth.

Learn More About Life in Pennsylvania

Benefits

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers competitive salary and wage packages, in addition to generous benefits. In fact, our benefits typically provide an additional value equal to more than 86% of your pay!

Financial

Retirement and Financial Planning

Secure retirement income from a defined benefit pension plan.

Invest more of your income through an optional deferred compensation program.

Group Life Insurance
Free life insurance for all permanent employees after 90 days.

Employee Recognition
We understand that our most valuable asset is our employees.

Many agencies have programs to acknowledge outstanding work and achievement.

The governor presents the annual state employee Awards for Excellence to individuals and groups who demonstrate exemplary job performance or service.

For Veterans

Returning to civilian life? Starting a second career? Looking for an employer that values active National Guard and Reserve service?

Bring the unique experience and personal qualities you developed in the military and continue your work in public service with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!

While serving your country, you developed valuable skills and experience that are extremely valued in state government. Start a career where you can continue to make a difference, have an opportunity for growth, and enjoy the rewards of public service.

Resources for Veterans

Connect with Veterans’ Employment Representatives at any of the statewide Pennsylvania CareerLink Offices to receive free job counseling, training referrals, and placement services.

Eligible veterans are given priority in the referral to job openings and training opportunities, with disabled veterans receiving the highest priority.

Benefits for Veterans

Working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will enable you to use your military time toward your retirement with state government. Explore available purchasing service options through the State Employees’ Retirement System .

For civil service positions, qualified veterans get ten extra points added to their passing test scores and preference in the hiring process. For non-civil service positions, veterans are given preference when they meet all the requisite qualifications. These benefits are commonly referred to as veterans’ preference.

Find Out More About Resources for Veterans

For Students

Internships

The commonwealth has year-round internship opportunities available for high school, college, and post-graduate students across a wide variety of agencies. See current internship opportunities , and be sure to check back often as new opportunities become available.

Commonwealth Public Service Internship Program

Students that complete a flexible six-month internship and graduate with a bachelor’s degree will be hired into a full-time position guaranteed!

Benefits

Flexible path from internship to employment.

Opportunities available year-round.

Fulfilling career in public service.

Earn money through a paid internship.

Opportunities in a wide variety of fields.

Eligibility

Current enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student in an accredited college/university in a declared bachelor’s degree program.

Successful completion of at least 30 college credits at time of application.

Anticipated successful completion of at least 60 college credits at the time of hire.

Meet PA residency requirements for civil service employment.

Residency
You don’t have to be from PA or live here year-round to be considered a resident! For example, you qualify as a PA resident if you:

Are a student from another state who is currently residing at and enrolled in a PA college, university, or technical school, and have a PA mailing address.

Lived in PA before leaving to attend school in another state and have a PA mailing address.

Check out the PA residency requirements on the State Employment website for the full details, including requirements for former residents and active duty armed forces.

William Penn Fellowship

The William Penn Fellowship is granted to talented, passionate individuals with a commitment to public service and a drive to help make Pennsylvania a better place to live.

The program provides aspiring professionals with the opportunity to serve and learn with the state’s top executive leaders. Fellows will work to improve the overall effectiveness of state government by serving on projects that align with Governor Wolf’s priorities of Jobs that Pay, Schools that Teach and Government that Works.

Enthusiastic and highly-motivated individuals will spend two years working full-time for senior and top-ranking government officials. Fellows will be assigned to state agencies to complete impactful projects based on their personal interests and skill sets.

Eligibility
To be considered eligible for the William Penn Fellowship, applicants must have obtained a master’s or equivalent or higher degree between December 2013 and August 2017.

In addition to the educational requirement, selection as a William Penn Fellow is based on a combination of the following:

Established excellence in academics and/or professional achievement.

Proven leadership ability and potential for further growth.

Demonstrated commitment to public service.

Evidence of effective teamwork and working well with others.

Applicants may also be considered if they have successfully completed military service or long-term public service work with an organization such as AmeriCorps, Teach for America or the Peace Corps. Other service will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The application period for the 2018 class will begin later this year. Please check back for updates.